WILD birds will get a helping hand from mother nature in the months ahead after a bumper crop of berries in our countryside.

Merseyside has seen a berry bounty, as hedgerow species like hawthorn, blackthorn and holly, in particular burst, with large numbers of berries.

The red and orange coloured spread across our gardens and hedges is a welcome sight for arctic visitors like redwings, fieldfares and even our resident blackbirds and thrushes.

There’s even better news for festive romantics too, with the berry extravaganza extending to mistletoe, suggesting that prices may fall for Christmas – good news for those looking for love in these tough economic times.

Experts are asking gardeners not to prune any berry laden branches until the fruits are gone and to continue to leave fresh water and food out daily.